Raspberry Dormanred

Characteristics

Culture

The Dormanred Raspberry plant is vigorous and productive raspberry bush especially excellent to be grown in the South, where heat and heavy humidity can adversely affect normal successful raspberry growing. The Dormanred variety differs from other red raspberries in that it has weak vine-like growth and requires trellising similar to trailing blackberries. It’s best to prune these canes in late winter. Fruits are firm, red and have good flavor when they are fully ripe.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Developed by Mississippi State University, Dormanred is an ever-bearing, trailing raspberry well-adapted for growing in southern states. In fact, it was bred specifically for heat tolerance. Dormanred is not pure Rubus idaeus (raspberry, red raspberry, or European raspberry); it is part Rubus parvifolius (native Australian raspberry or thimbleberry).

Problems

• For sweetness, fruit must be very ripe.
• Neil Sperry reports that this is the only raspberry that will grow in Texas.

Uses

Dormanred raspberries are good for fresh eating (when they are very ripe), cooking, or freezing. They are an excellent choice for cooking, baking, and making jams and pies. The Dormanred berries also freeze well.